Being a keen bird watcher living in the South-east Bali it is always nice to head up in the mountains to get some cool air as well as to hopefully spot a few different bird species, so I decided to book a weekend up in the mountains above Bedugul and stay at the famous Handara Golf and Resort. I am not a golfer, but I had heard about the resorts amazing views and the forests that surround the resort so it seemed like the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend.

Driving into the resort it was obvious that I was in prime bird habitat and on the 5 minute drive from the main road I spotted a small group of pair of Ashy drongos fly over the road, a flock of Orange breasted green pigeons settle in the tree tops as well as numerous Yellow-vented and Sooty headed bulbuls, Collared kingfishers and of course the ubiquitous Spotted doves.

After checking into our room overlooking the golf course, which is spectacularly flanked by mountain rain-forest, it was evident that I would spot many more species before our two day stay was over. In the forest behind the rooms I could hear the incessant tonk of barbets and a wide range of mountain bird sounds that I just couldn’t place – it was clear that this forest was full of life!

I spent a relaxing afternoon at the resort and spotted a pair of Long-tailed shrikes hawking for insects just in front of the hotel lobby as well as a regular sightings of Whitebreasted water hens making short, hurried flights between vegetation patches – these water hens are very common in Bali and dominate scrub and water ponds from the seafront right up into the high mountains. While sitting back on my balcony in the late afternoon I was lucky enough to spot the spectacular Javan kingfisher, an endemic to Bali and Java, streak across the golf course with its turquoise blue body and bright red beak making for easy identification. Collared Kingfishers are also common on the golf course.

Just before sunset I went for a quick walk around the resort car park and with my binoculars scanned the huge trees that seem to be regularly visited by large numbers of small flower-peckers and sunbirds – while tricky to spot I could recognize the sound the clicking call of the Scarlet Headed Flower Pecker, caught glimpses of a Blood- Breasted Flower Pecker. That was enough birding for the day and after a delicious meal at the resort restaurant I went to bed early intent on being up early to meet the dawn chorus.

First light takes a while at Handara Golf and Resort as the sun needs to rise over the mountains before the first rays of sun hit the resort, so my first hour of birding was mainly just a walk along the resort road where I focused on trying to find some good spots to await some ‘bird waves’. After about 40 minutes I got lucky and a mixed flock flew into a mistletoe tree by the side of the road – I was able to observe both oriental white eyes and Javan-grey throated white eyes from just a few meters away and this was a great start to the morning. Next up, just as the sun was starting to peak over the edge of the mountains I got great view of a pair of scarlet minivet – the male is a distinctive red and black while the female is yellow and black – very easy to identify. In the same patch of roadside forest I also spotted both male and female Black-winged flycatcher shrike – these birds are quite common in the mountains of Bali and the black and white male is easy to distinguish from the ashy brown and white female.

My morning walk continues and with rays of sunshine now starting to light up the morning the bird species started to really come to life with the trees full of mixed species of sunbirds, flower peckers and white eyes. Over the next hour I spotted fulvous breasted woodpecker, grey cheeked green pigeon, orange spotted bulbul, a Flame- fronted barbet and quite a big flock of Asian glossy starling but the highlight was spotting a personal ‘lifer’ – this was a Javan whistling thrush that I spotted in a small gully on the walk back towards the main resort. I was also lucky enough to see an Indonesian Honey Eater feeding on a mistletoe tree 100 meters or so in front of the entrance to the resort.

I was back at the resort by 10am and enjoyed a breakfast and another day of relaxing and casual bird watching (sorry, I don’t play golf!) and managed to spot a few more species and heard many more in the forest that I just couldn’t identify – the really serious birder could likely do a much better job than me and I am sure there are some rare Indonesia endemics hiding away in the forests surrounding the golf course.

The next morning it was time to head back to the coast and to say goodbye to the resort but I was more than happy with the birds I had added to my ‘Bali list’ however before my next visit I am going to have to do some research as there was just so many bird songs coming out of the forest that I couldn’t identify. On my next visit I will be hoping to greatly expand my species list from the gardens and forests surrounding the Handara Golf and Resort.

Weekend Bird List from Handara Golf and Resort

• Javan whistling thrush
• Blood-breasted flower pecker
• Scarlet- headed flower pecker
• Ashy drongo
• Long-tailed shrike
• Asian glossy starling
• Scarlet minivet
• Scaly breasted munia
• Javan munia
• Olive-backed sunbird
• Black-winged flycatcher shrike
• Grey Cheeked green pigeon
• Orange Breasted green pigeon
• Oriental white eye
• Javan grey throated white eye
• Indonesian honey eater
• White-Breasted waterhen
• Fulvous Breasted Woodpecker
• Orange Spotted bulbul
• Yellow Vented bulbul
• Sooty headed bulbul
• Flame-fronted barbet
• Javan kingfisher
• Common kingfisher
• Plaintive cuckoo

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Indeed the 2018 Order of Merit, now on the home straight looks to be a tight contest between holder Ross and Hillbillies Captain Carl Sandstrom. After a long season there are only 5 more competitions until the bar closes. Carl is quoted as saying “I see this competition as a true test of perseverance and performance over 12 months and I hope the best man wins. That’ll be me.”

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The end of September featured a long awaited Golf event, the bi-ennial challenge between the best Golfers in the United States and those of Europe. As ever, the Americans look stronger on paper but struggle to take that advantage to the fairways. Based in Paris, the course was laid out with accuracy rather than length in mind and the Americans took the bait, landing more often than not in the challenging rough. The consequent European victory was observed and celebrated by a cheerful group of Handara Golfers who took advantage of a special stay and watch offer put out by the club. As Indonesia television once again didn’t show the tournament, the option of streaming was employed, and although not 100% reliable did give us a great flavor of the amazing atmosphere over in France.

To celebrate such a fun weekend, a new chipping contest was launched. All those with the required 50,000 IDR entry fee were welcome,  and the challenge was to chip from the barbecue area to nearest the pin. Three balls, a borrowed sand wedge and a sharply downhill pitch onto a front pin made it a real challenge. Pak Aru won the money and Kindly donated his winnings to the kitty where it was promptly turned into a case of cold Bintangs. A generous gesture (thanks Aru) marked a fitting end to a super weekend.

Selamat Les Blues

AMAZING 67

On the 26th of August, Par 5 member Charlie Ryals playing off 4, shot seven under his handicap. Out in 33, back in 34 his round featured 9, yes that’s nine birdies making a course score of 67. Whilst not the course record (that’s 65) it’s the best round that’s been shot at Handara for many a year. Congratulations Charlie!!!

ROB PEETOOM GOLF TOURNAMENT

For the second year, Rob Peetoom, Bali’s most famous hair and beauty expert held his Golf Tournament at Bali Handara. A great turnout and super weather was present to see Charlie Ryals (yes, that man again) romp home in first place with a gross 72. Well done Charlie, can you give us mere mortals a chance, now and again. 
For those who need some help in the Hair & Beauty area, Rob has branches in Petitenget & Beachwalk Mall and would be delighted to help you out.

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Marketing have produced this lovely poster that’s now hanging in the clubhouse, reminding us, should we need it of the benefits of walking while playing golf.

So I encourage you to give it a try. I’m finding it very therapeutic even if I do need a little breather when arriving at tee boxes 2 and 18. Long live Fit Golf.

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Cliff Rees won the cup in September which was a great performance as Pak Cliff was still nursing a recently broken wrist. Well done Mr. Rees.

And last weekend Aru Santhrian had a fabulous round shooting an 88 (including a 40 on the front) which with his 14 handicap gave him a net 74, handing him the Cup. In the absence of previous holder Cliff Rees, the cup was presented by co-founder of the Tournament, Mr. Don Lucy. High honor indeed. Well done Pak Aru.

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Surrounded by the island’s most iconic mountains and lakes, Handara Golf & Resort, Bali is populated by lush greenery that creates a dramatic backdrop for an inspiring round of play golf. Situated in the cool highlands of Bedugul, the golf resort is Bali’s first and oldest golf course. The 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course was masterfully designed by five-time British Open Champion Peter Thomson, along with Ronald Fream and Michael Wolveridge.

Below we have made a list of the reasons why you should travel to Bali for a memorable golf holiday:

1. A great destination to play the perfect round

Bali is described as a tiny paradise that sits in the largest archipelago in the world, Indonesia. There is no other place in the world that offers golfers a unique golfing experience quite like Bali.

Complete with mountains, the Indian Ocean, and unique island culture and tradition, Bali is a one-of-a-kind golfing experience. There are several fantastic golf courses to choose from, one being the most iconic and historical Handara Golf & Resort Bali. The 18-hole, par 72 golf course is full a full-service golf operation, with play golf lessons from our in-house team of professional golfers, a pro shop complete with the latest golfing accessories, a driving range to perfect your swings, and golf club rentals to save you the heavy burden of flying your own equipment to Bali.

2. The unbeatable weather conditions

Being a tropical island, the weather tends to fluctuate, but when playing at Handara Golf & Resort Bali, you’ll be playing to your heart’s desire in cool climates.

Located in the central Bali highlands, the golf resort is Indonesia’s highest elevated golf course. The refreshing climate is a far cry from the usual expectations of the island’s hot sandy beaches and warm climate that dominates the other coastal golf courses in Bali. The weather patterns common at Handara Golf & Resort Bali give golfers the opportunity to play in a pleasant and comfortable environment accompanied by the fresh mountain air.

3. Aside from play golf, there is so much to Bali to discover

Bali enjoys a rich spiritual heritage and unique culture. Historical and cultural attractions surround Handara Golf & Resort Bali, making access to these amazing sight-seeing venues easy.

With the combination of pristine beaches, refreshing rice paddies that line up mountains, and an abundance of volcanic landscapes, Bali is a sight for sore eyes. Being a small yet diverse island, this little wonder called Bali continues to win the hearts of tourists from all over the world.

At our resort, we offer to play golf packages in Bali that are tailored to your needs. For more information about the variety of packages we offer, have a quick peek at our website!

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It is almost impossible to run out of activities to do, culture and tradition to witness, and extravagant flora and fauna to see. For wandering adventurers seeking for something new, Bali offers discoveries like nowhere else in the world. Get up close with nature’s wonders from mesmerizing waterfalls, pristine beaches, unique crater lakes, and lush paddy fields that await you in North Bali.

The environment

Being the greenest part of Bali, the north provides explorers with a diverse range of tourist spots and activities to do, and there is something for everyone.

For those who can’t resist the sight of the ocean, Lovina beach is the only place in North Bali to satiate that hunger. Complemented by calm waves, rows of palm trees and sun-kissed sand, Lovina beach is a destination for relaxation. The area stretched over 8km of coastal villages – Kalibukbuk, Kaliasem, Tukad Mungga, and Anturan – all collectively known as Lovina.

27km from Handara Golf and Resort, 50 min ride with a taxi

A short drive from Lovina beach is the aesthetically pleasing Royal Palace of Singaraja, which glows with historical vibes with its European building styles. Locally referred to as Puri Agung Singaraja, the palace represents a significant fraction of the region’s rich, cultural heritage. Located in the centre of town, you can drop by the palace at any time and observe the architecturally unique fusion of Balinese heritage with a western touch.

25km from Handara Golf and Resort, 40 min ride with taxi

Experience spiritual energy and pacify your soul at Pura Ponjok Batu. Otherwise, in English known as Stone Cape, this ancient and spiritual place has a distinct rock promontory, where between the crevices grows the most beautiful and aromatic frangipani trees and shrubs. This Balinese Hindu temple is dedicated to worship Ida Sang Hyang Widhi, the supreme God.

50km from Handara Golf and Resort, 1-hour ride with a taxi

Rest your weary legs after a day of exploration soaking in the healing waters of North Bali’s natural hot spring at the Banjar Hot Spring. As one of the most effective ways to wind down in nature, the sacred hot spring is surrounded by thick foliage. The sulphuric components in the hot ponds of warm water is believed to cure skin diseases and gushes from the mouths of stone-carved mythical dragons. Amongst locals, the hot springs are known as the “Magical waters of Bali”.

30km from Handara Golf and Resort, 1-hour ride with a taxi

For a change of perspective, stay in North Bali with Handara Golf and Resorts. As the area’s oldest resorts, we know the ins and outs and guarantees guests to have the most sensational holiday adventure ever. For more information about our resorts, click the link here. Or indulge in our nature sensation packages here to uncover more of North Bali.

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With a large number of tourists flocking to the island and the fast development, Bali is beginning to grow a long list of environmental issues. As recently said: Bali is paying the price for its own success. We want you to enjoy and soak in the island of the Gods while being eco-conscious. Below are hip and simple ways to travel North Bali while being environmentally aware:

1. Say no to plastic bags

Luckily, the island has become aware of the overuse of plastic bags. A local company known as Avani has stepped up their eco game to engineer eco products that are sustainable, biodegradable, and compostable. If the store you’re at doesn’t use their services to pack goods, you can bring your own bag or buy one of the beautifully woven bags in Bali.

Plastic bags are one of the biggest headaches for Mother Nature, it takes forever to decompose. It could even outlive your children’s children for it to begin to start decomposing. What’s worse is that if it ends up in the ocean, it will be responsible for the deaths of much marine life.

2. Look out for water refill stations

Drinking tap water in Bali is a no go, it’s harsh and possibly contaminated. However, staying hydrated is an essential part of your journey while exploring the island. Instead of buying a new bottle and chucking it every time, there are restaurants all over the island that are happy to refill your reusable water bottle!

3. Buy hip, local, eco-friendly products to support the growing awareness in the island

Show your sustainable side and love for the island through these cool local products:

• Indosole: A stylish footwear recycled from vehicle tires. 100% handmade without fuel powered machinery.
• Eco-friendly rain ponchos: Being a tropical island, it’s bound to rain in Bali. Instead of the environmentally hazardous ponchos sold on the side of the road, try Avani’s Bioware Eco-poncho. They are also certified biodegradable and compostable.
• Bambooku linen wear and living essentials: Bamboo based furniture is common. But bamboo based towels or t-shirts? Who knew something as sturdy as the bamboo plant can be turned into soft and extremely comfortable linen wear with hypo-allergenic and antibacterial properties! Using bamboo is a viable and sustainable alternative to using cotton to produce living essentials.

4. Take part in community and environmentally friendly activities

Without a doubt it’s more convenient to be in a private car with a driver while touring North Bali. However, this contributes to heavy traffic and pollution. There is a growing abundance of eco-tourism that involves organized group tours, downhill mountain biking, white water rafting, and trekking that will take you to Bali’s most exciting and authentic spots passing traditional villages and breathtaking sceneries. Handara Resorts offers nature sensation packages complete with eco-tourism and North Bali’s most beautiful hidden gems.

Prepare yourself for a greener Bali experience by implementing these eco travel tips curated by Handara Resorts. Handara Resorts is a one stop golf resort that offers one of the world’s most scenic golf courses strategically located in the comfortable setting of North Bali. We take pride in the island’s uniqueness where the resort is surrounded by lush green mountains and pristine lakes, taking major action to conserve it.

For more information about our resort, visit our website!

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However, it is the history of this unique region that really gives guests a different taste of Bali. Being in a prime location in north Bali, Handara Resorts brings you an article of the many historical sites and attractions during you stay in Bedugul.

1. Ulun Danu Bratan Temple

The Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is a Balinese water temple situated near Lake Bratan. The Temple is photogenic and is the most photographed tourist attraction in Bali, visited daily by both foreign and domestic travelers. The Temple’s complex consists of 5 smaller Temples and a Buddhist stupa:

• Penataran Agung temple
• Dalem Purwa temple
• Taman Beji temple
• Lingga Petak temple
• Prajapati temple
• Buddhist stupa

The rich history of Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is based on archaeological data and historical events written on the papyrus “Chronicle of Mengwi”. Where in great detail it is explained how the founder of the Mengwi Kingdom, I Gusti Agung Putu, discovered this water, Temple.

2. Lake Bratan near Handara Resort

Just near the Ulun Danu Bratan Temple is Lake Bratan. The second largest Lake after Lake Batur in Bali. The lake plays an important role as the main source of irrigation in the center of the island. Lake Bratan is claimed as one of The World’s 20 Most Beautiful Lakes with its stunning view of the mountains and the fresh air that radiates from them. As the lake grew increasingly popular, it began facilitating accommodation and water sports such as parasailing, canoeing and water skiing.

3. Bali Botanical Garden near Handara Resort

Bali botanic garden is a large tropical botanic park that was manicured for further research on Bali’s flora, conservation, tourism, and educational purposes. Locally known as Kebun Raya Bali, the brainchild behind the Bali botanic garden is Prof.Ir. Kusnoto Setyodiwiryo, President of the Board of the Environmental Research Center. More than 2,000 species of flora that are being preserved here, represents the various plants from mountainous regions in Eastern Indonesia: Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Maluku, and Papua.

So now that you’re all set to visit these amazing sites, plan your accommodation with Handara Resorts! As one of the oldest accommodations in the most historical part of Bali, we are happy to provide you with knowledge about Bali’s beautiful past. For more information about our resort, contact us or visit our website!

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Over the years, Bedugul has garnered a reputation for itself as the ideal mountain resort destination, especially for couples looking for the perfect setting for their pre-wedding photographs. Also home to Tamblingan, Buyan and Bratan Lakes, here you’ll find these mystifying crater lakes set against backdrops of verdant mountains, lush gardens and remarkably cool weather that is a sharp contrast to the heat along the coasts.

In addition to breathtaking panoramic views and substantially cooler weather, there are many other reasons why you should visit Bedugul. Wedding photographs are one, but here in Bali’s lush mountain resort area, you could partake in some activities that are unique and memorable to this area.

Explore Bedugul and Its Nearby Surroundings

Here are some great places to visit while there:

• Bali Botanical Garden Bedugul – If you like peace, quiet and enjoy basking in the beauty of nature, then this is the place for this large tropical botanic park located in Candikuning Village was created for the conservation, recreation, education and surveys of plants and botanicals. An outing here would allow for the opportunity to learn about medicinal plants, plants used for ceremonies and plants of the tropical rainforests while gaining an insight into the fascinating life of birds. Balinese families, lovers and friends also head to the Bali Botanical Gardens for a fun weekend of recreation and activities.
• The Strawberry Farm – Enjoy the sensation of picking your very own strawberries in an actual strawberry farm. Right here in the cool air, 4,900 ft above sea level and surrounded by amazing mountain scenery and a spectacularly serene environment, you could try your hand as a strawberry farmer for a day and harvest your fruits for a small fee. Definitely a great option for the whole family.
• Lakes Tamblingan and Buyan – Also known as the twin lakes, the Lakes of Tamblingan and Buyan along with Lake Bratan lies in a plateau inside a large, ancient caldera and surrounded by lush rainforest and many ancient temples. If all you have seen of Bali are the developed cities of the South such as Kuta, Denpasar and Sanur, then this tour of Bali’s volcanic heart will introduce you to a different side of the island that you will absolutely love. Expect nothing less than magical beauty, astounding natural settings, breathtaking backdrops and fantastic views.
• Pura Ulun Danu Beratan – Considered to be one of the most sacred and spiritual temples in Bali. After Pura Besakih, it is the most important in the entire island and one of the most photographed. Built in 1633, it is dedicated to Ida Batari Dewi Ulun Danu, the Goddess of the lake.
• Munduk – There’s an old-world charm surrounding Munduk and it is easy to forget your troubles in this village’s cool air and misty ambience. On the way to this mountain retreat, you’ll discover jaw-dropping views with steep ravines and towering mountaintops. Covered in everything lush and green that grows, this area is ideal for hiking and has at the very least twelve trails and countless waterfalls including Melanting and Munduk. This experience should really be on your Bali bucket list.
• Giant Banyan Trees – These trees are found in the village of Seririt nearAt 85 metres high and 70 metres in diameter, the roots of these trees tower above, allowing guests to walk among the roots or take photographs for the perfect Instagram shot featuring great dramatic effects. According to local legends, the trees are inhabited by spirits. They are deemed sacred by the locals so do show proper respect when visiting.

• Jatiluwih Rice Terrace – This is arguably one Bali’s most famous rice terraces and one of the most popular tourist destinations. Located at a height of 700 metres above sea level, it is found in the Western part of the Island in the district of Tabanan. These terraces extend from the bottom of a mountain all the way to the coasts and if you’re lucky, you could witness a unique Balinese Hindu ceremony called the Patirtaan at Petali Temple. Jatiluwih is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site which covers 2,372 ha of rice field, 3,545 ha of garden, 9,316 ha of forest, 317 ha of housing area and 475 ha of wild bush.

Bali’s Central Lake District is waiting for you to come and uncover its treasures. Its natural beauty, relaxing ambience and the friendliness of the locals makes it a must-visit. So the next time you come to Bali, make sure that you have Bedugul in North Bali on your to-do list!

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